How might residential PV change the energy demand curve in Poland

Abstract

Photovoltaics (PV) in terms of installed capacity play a minor role in the portfolio of renewable energy sources (RES) in Poland. However current market tendencies indicate that residential PV installations are gaining on popularity and may in future significantly contribute to covering national energy demand. This study investigates the potential impact of numerous residential PV installations on the shape and statistical properties of the polish energy demand curve. Analysis employed statistical data on mean household energy consumption in different districts, typical energy demand patterns and hourly values of irradiation for the year 2012. Obtained results indicate that there is a possibility to integrate in total as much as 300 000 residential PV installations (0.9 GW) from which generated energy will be utilized by households within given district. Further analysis has shown that to some extent increasing number of residential PV decreases the value of energy demand coefficient of variation.